About

A freelance travel and motoring writer and photographer since 2004, living in UAE since 1999 (Al Ain!) Paolo Rossetti has published over 200 articles in The National, Gulf News, and Khaleej Times, as well as Arab Wheels, Middle East Car, Top Performance, and Wheels magazines. This love for cars and travel has taken him on an amazing journey of discovery in the UAE and Oman - and in this blog, Paolo wants to share his knowledge of great places to visit with you, just like numerous good buddies have shared their stories with him. Paolo is sad to hear of UAE expats (and nationals!) who spend their weekends bored in malls, when he knows there are awesome adventures to be had if only people knew where to go. Check out the photos and you will be astounded - is this really in the UAE? You betcha! On this website Paolo provides a lively travel article on a monthly basis, with description, photos, route, GPS file, and even a Google Earth map for you to follow at your leisure. It's free of charge because Paolo is not motivated by profits but by his admiration of the UAE and by helping you make the most of your stay in the UAE, be it a few months or a lifetime. To adventures!

Iftar Dining at Mowsem Restaurant at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah

For foodie expats living in the UAE, the annual holy month of Ramadan also means a celebration of the very best of Arabian cuisine and generous hospitality!

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

In fact, every evening, right after sunset, families and friends congregate to end the day’s fasting together – and it is a time of connection and sharing food.

One of the best places to experience this is at Mowsem, the main restaurant at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, where an encyclopedic selection of authentic Arabian dishes are elevated to haute cuisine level.

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

The Lamb Ouzi is one of the traditional dishes on offer, and it is truly exquisite – indeed, it is a special treat that historically was reserved for the most auspicious of events, such as religious celebrations or wedding feasts.

It is usually cooked in large quantity, as the preparations are quite laborious, often starting early in the morning and lasting all day. The result is a super-tender, melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked lamb, which has both absorbed from and contributed to the flavorsome aromatic rice.

At Mowsem, you will find several of these special dishes each evening throughout Ramadan, and the main piece de resistance is rotated so there’s always something new and different for honored guest to try.

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

Actually, Mowsem’s is huge!

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

And both the indoor and outdoor sections are excellent choices.

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

Outdoors there is the live grilling station, with a proper clay oven as well as open charcoal grills,

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend
weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

while indoors you will find the main buffet, spacious and seemingly proposing an infinite combination on your plate – there is no way you could sample every thing!

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend
weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

To attempt to somehow capture the enormity of the occasion, let us explore just the sweets section a bit more:

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend
weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend
weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

Elegantly displayed, the desserts are arranged by type – and of course I had to start with the Arabian sweets!

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend
weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

Nevertheless, also the international creations from the Hilton patissiers surprised with clever touches of the Middle East – such as this cheesecake with delicate saffron!

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend

Overall, whether you are visiting Dubai or residing here, experiencing the culinary feast for Iftar at Mowsem, the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, is a must – the selection is truly awesome, and the elegant ambience augments the culinary traditions of Ramadan in the UAE.

weekenduae Mowsem restaurant for Iftar at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeraih, weekend